Two of the most common pediatric dental treatments for cavities are fillings and crowns. Both dental fillings and dental crowns offer unique benefits, but one may be preferable to another depending on the specifics of the cavity needing treatment. This review discusses why a pediatric dental professional opts for either a filling or a crown. Read on to learn more about each one and when we might recommend them.
Whether or not a filling or a crown is more appropriate for a pediatric dental cavity depends on the severity of the cavity, the location of the tooth, and the patient’s preference. The following is an overview of what a dental filling and dental crown are and how to choose between the two options when it comes to pediatric dental treatment.
A dental filling is an artificial material that is placed in the cavity of a tooth after tooth decay erodes the enamel (the outermost layer of a tooth). There are different material types a pediatric dentist may use for a dental filling. Most commonly, fillings are amalgam or porcelain. Dental fillings are most suitable for small cavities, whereas they may not be enough to address larger cavities or more severe forms of tooth damage.
We typically recommend a pediatric dental filling when the cavity is minor and does not compromise the overall strength or structure of the decayed tooth. Fillings are often the preferable solution as they are less invasive and should last for the entire lifespan of baby teeth as long as they are well cared for in the long term.
A dental crown, also called a dental cap, is a restoration that encapsulates a dental cavity or broken tooth on all sides. Dental crowns consist of either ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, metal alloy, or gold alloy. The type of material that a pediatric dentist recommends depends on the location of the tooth and the parent’s preference for their child. Crowns are generally recommended when the tooth is more severely damaged or decayed and needs additional protection from further decay or damage.
A pediatric dental crown may be the recommended restoration if the tooth is damaged more severely or due to dental trauma. Often, we use dental crowns when the tooth is in jeopardy of becoming lost due to how weak it has become from damage or decay. In other words, if the cavity is too severe for a filling, then a dental crown may be the more appropriate solution.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Middletown, NY
Does your child have a cavity or damaged tooth? If so, contact our pediatric dental team today to schedule a visit and determine whether a filling, a crown, or another restoration is right for you.
Request an appointment or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at 845-363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Curious about how often you should take your child to see a pediatric dentist? Read on to learn more. It is a common misconception that small children do not need to see a dentist since their baby teeth will fall out eventually. However, a number of difficulties may arise with a person's dental health at…
Cavities, or dental caries, can affect children just as they do adults, and early cavity treatment for kids is crucial to prevent further dental problems.The process of cavity treatment for kids is tailored to their unique needs and comfort. In this article, we will walk patients through the typical steps of cavity treatment for children,…
Are you wondering how often your child should see a pediatric dentist? Both children and adults should visit the dentist at least twice a year to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy. However, seeing a pediatric dentist more often than that can be helpful to a growing child.A child’s mouth undergoes many changes…
Kid-friendly dentists offer general dental services. This includes diagnostic, preventive, and restorative dental care. Many kid-friendly dentists also offer early orthodontic care, as well. Understanding the services that a kid-friendly dentist offers can help parents decide if a visit is right for their children.Not all kid-friendly dentists offer the same services, and it is important…
A kid-friendly dentist deals with the prevention and treatment of oral health concerns in children. Many also offer services to adults, but they take pride in offering a friendly environment for children, along with offering services that are more appropriate for young patients.Children have unique dental needs. It is important to keep a child’s primary…